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Services

Covid-19 advice

Please see our Coronavirus advice page for information about what to do if you need to attend hospital for an appointment or a planned operation. 

Our ratings

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust was inspected by the CQC in May 2018

Read about our Hospital ratings and details on how we are progressing on our CQC Update webpage.

CQC logo

Our services

Click the a-z below to find a service:

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening Programme

The Kent and Medway National Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening Programme invites all men registered with a GP for a screening in the year they turn 65. Men over 65 who have not previously been screened or treated for an AAA can request screening.

Accident and Emergency

Our A&E departments assess and treat patients with serious injuries or illnesses. We have full A&E services and William Harvey Hospital in Ashford and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate. Kent & Canterbury Hospital in Canterbury has a 24 Minor Injuries Unit and Emergency Care Centre. Buckland Hospital in Dover and Royal Victoria Hospital in Folkestone have Minor Injuries only (not 24 hours)

(KM) Adult Communication and Assistive Technology (Adult CAT)

We are multidisciplinary teams that work very closely, to meet the needs of those requiring specialist Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) through a client focused model.  The service is comprised of administrators, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language therapists, Teachers, Therapy Assistant Practitioners and Healthcare Scientists.

Adult Speech and Language Therapy

Speech and Language Therapists (SLT) assess, diagnose and treat swallowing and communication disorders including language, speech and voice problems. The adult service sees patients who are (as a general rule) aged 18 or over.

Ambulatory Care

Ambulatory Care is a patient focused service where some conditions may be treated without the need for an overnight stay in Hospital.  Many patients seen within the ambulatory care units would have previously received the same treatment as an inpatient.

Audiology

The Audiology department provides a comprehensive hearing service covering all areas of east Kent.

Bereavement

Information about our bereavement services and advice for family and friends.

Blood tests

Phlebotomy (blood tests) are carried out at Kent & Canterbury Hospital, William Harvey Hospital, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital, Buckland Hospital and Royal Victoria Hospital. Patients referred for a blood test by their GP health professional can attend our clinics. 

Bowel screening 

Screening is for people without symptoms. Anyone who is concerned about bowel symptoms should discuss this with their GP or visit the NHS 111 website

Bowel clinic

Information about the Telephone Assessment Clinic (Straight to test)

Breast screening

The NHS Breast Screening Programme offers a free breast screening service every three years to women aged between 50 and 70 who are registered with a GP. Every woman will receive her first screening invitation by her 53rd birthday.

Brain services (neurology)

The East Kent Neurorehabilitation Unit (EKNRU) is at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital with 19 dedicated neurorehab beds. More information about the Unit and its service can be found in the Neurorehabilitation Unit patient leaflet

Cancer services

View our range of cancer services offered across our hospitals.

Cardiac (heart) services

We have invested heavily in our heart services over recent years to bring you state-of-the-art facilities for heart procedures at the East Kent Cardiac Catheter Suite (William Harvey Hospital, Ashford) and the Heart Centre, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital, Margate. We diagnose and treat a full range of heart disorders.

Chaplaincy

Hospital Chaplains are here for everyone. You do not have to be in any way ‘religious’ to ask to see a Chaplain. Most of us, at one time or another have to face searching questions and make difficult decisions, and at times like these it’s good to know that there is someone to listen, to support, to encourage, or to question.

Chemotherapy

East Kent’s Chemotherapy units provide anti-cancer and supportive treatments in a comfortable out-patient setting. At present, out patient care is given at Cathedral Day Unit at K&C and Viking Day Unit at QEQM, and on our mobile chemotherapy unit which travels to different sites in Kent. This allows us to continue to treat as many patients as we can at the William Harvey Hospital while we expand and train our workforce, to ensure we provide an optimum service.

Childbirth

Having a baby can be an exciting but daunting time for women and their partners, there is a lot to think about and plan for. There are many questions and choices to make so we hope the information on this website will help you. Our aim is to work in partnership with you, your partner and family to achieve a happy, healthy pregnancy and birth.

Child health

We offer a wide range of children's services across our hospitals. William Harvey Hospital (WHH) in Ashford and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital (QEQM) in Margate have dedicated Paediatricians and qualified children's nurses providing inpatient care. Both hospital have Special Care Baby Units and QEQM has a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Kent & Canterbury Hospital in Canterbury has a Children's Assessment Unit for Outpatient appointments and Day Surgery.

Children & Young People's Therapy Service

We provide a local, community service for children and young people aged 0 - 19 years who may need specialist help from a Speech and Language TherapistOccupational Therapist or a Physiotherapist.

Chronic pain 

We provide a range of services for patients with chronic pain. Our chronic pain webpage is intended to answer your questions about the services available from us, your treatment, the staff who will be treating you, and where you can find further information regarding your condition.    

Clinical Biochemistry 

We provide a comprehensive clinical service to the hospitals and the community by screening, diagnosing/excluding disease and monitoring response to treatment and drug therapy.

Clinical Photography 

Clinical photography is used to visually record a patient’s medical condition and form part of the patient’s notes. Clinical photographs are taken to help doctors and other health professionals to monitor clinical conditions. They are often used as part of the planning process alongside other tests such as x-rays, scans and blood tests.    

Colonoscopy 

This takes place in one of the accredited hospitals within the bowel cancer screening programme which currently is Kent and Canterbury Hospital but will eventually include the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital, and William Harvey Hospital.

Comment on our services 

We are committed to improving services by listening to patients, their families and carers. Please let us know what your concern is so that we might try to put it right or to explain what happened and why. You have our absolute assurance that we will not penalise you (or the patient) in any way or treat you differently as a result of you raising a concern. 

Complaints about our services 

We are committed to improving services by listening to patients, their families and carers. Please let us know what has gone wrong so that we might try to put it right or to explain what happened and why. A complaint may be made by a patient, or by someone acting on behalf of the patient or person, with their consent. It is important to remember that when someone is making a complaint on behalf of a patient, the Trust cannot respond to the concern without the patient’s consent.

Complementary therapies  (cancer services)

Complementary therapy is the name given to therapies which aim to work alongside traditional therapies but not replace it. The aim of all complementary therapies is to bring more balance to the body. Each individual is unique and this approach seeks to treat the person as a whole.  

Compliments on our services 

All our staff are committed to providing care so that patients feel cared for as individuals, that they feel safe, reassured and involved in their care and so that they feel that attendance at hospital has made a positive difference. If you feel that the service you have received rates a pat on the back for a member of staff or the team that treated you, please let us know.     

Concerns about our services

You have our absolute assurance that we will not penalise you (or the patient) in any way or treat you differently as a result of you raising a concern.  Feedback helps us to improve our services leading to positive experiences for our patients and their relatives or carers.

Critical Care Unit (Intensive Care)

Information about East Kent Hospitals' Critical Care Unit which provides care to unstable or critically unwell patients.

Day surgery

Advances in surgical technology mean that more operations can be done in day surgery. This means patients are under anaesthesia for a short time and do not need to stay in hospital overnight. At East Kent Hospitals, we offer one of the biggest ranges of day surgery procedures in the country. 

Dementia Care

We recognise that attending hospital can be a distressing experience for people living with dementia and their families. We are striving to improve this experience through better awareness, training and improved environments.

Dentistry 

This service provides specialist advice and treatment on prosthodontic (crowns, bridges, dentures and dental implants), endodontic (root canal treatment) and periodontic (gum) problems. The main role of the service is to work closely with Maxillofacial Surgery and Orthodontic colleagues to provide head and neck cancer; cleft lip and palate; patients with developmentally missing teeth and trauma patients the advice and treatment they need to manage their complex restorative problems.

Dermatology

We offer a range of diagnostic and therapeutic services for general skin conditions. We offer advanced skin surgery for the treatment of certain skin cancers including the surgical technique called Mohs Micrographic Surgery at the Friends Dermatology Centre at Kent and Canterbury Hospital.

Diabetes services

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust offers a comprehensive service in diabetes and endocrinology. Our services include retinal screening, education course, DAFNE (Dose Adjustment For Normal Eating) for Type 1 diabetic patients, insulin pump service 

Diet and nutrition

The Acute Dietetic Team ensures that a seamless service is delivered to our patients - providing both inpatient and outpatient services. We assess patients whilst they are in hospital, hold specialist outpatients clinics - and ongoing support is provided by our colleagues in the community.

Ears, nose and throat (ENT)

We provide specialist care for patients with ear, nose and throat conditions and offer a range of treatments and surgery.

East Kent Bowel Screening Centre 

Screening is for people without symptoms. Anyone who is concerned about bowel symptoms should discuss this with their GP or visit the NHS 111 website

Elderly services

We provide a range of services for the elderly, including stroke services, falls and osteoporosis, geriatric services and movement disorders

Endoscopy services

The Endoscopy Service provides a diagnostic and therapeutic (treatment) service for patients with problems of the gastrointestinal tract (the part of the body that takes in food, digests it, and expels the remaining waste). The day procedures listed below are all carried out in our Endoscopy Units at Kent and Canterbury Hospital, William Harvey Hospital, and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital.

Extended Scope Practitioners (EXP)

Extended Scope Practitioners (ESP) are specialist Physiotherapists or Occupational Therapists who work in an extended role alongside a Medical Consultant. If you are referred to an orthopaedic clinic you may be seen by an ESP instead of the Consultant or their Registrar. We are able to order investigations such as scans, x-rays and blood tests and will ensure that you are on the right treatment pathway. 

Eyes (ophthalmology)

We offer a comprehensive service in Ophthalmology and have 11 consultants within this department all with specialist interests.

Face (maxillo facial)

We offer a range of Maxillo-facial services across east Kent.

Gynaecology

The gynaecology service at East Kent Hospitals provides comprehensive care for women with a range of gynaecology issues.

Gynaeoncology 

All women with suspected cancer are referred to the service by their general practitioner, where they will usually be seen at a specialist clinic within two weeks.

Haemophilia

The Kent Haemophilia Centre is recognised by the Department of Health as a comprehensive care centre and covers a wide geographical area, including Kent and parts of east Sussex.

Haematology

Information about our Haematology clinics.

Heart (cardiac) services

We have invested heavily in our heart services over recent years to bring you state-of-the-art facilities for heart procedures at the East Kent Cardiac Catheter Suite (William Harvey Hospital, Ashford) and the Heart Centre, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital, Margate. We diagnose and treat a full range of heart disorders.

Hearing - Audiology

The Audiology department provides a comprehensive hearing service covering all areas of east Kent.

Hepatology

The Hepatology Department is a specialist sub-specialty within Gastroenterology and treats conditions of the liver, pancreas or biliary system. 

Information leaflets

Our information directory holds patient information leaflets produced by the Trust along with resources from other NHS bodies and health organisations.These leaflets are not meant to replace the information discussed between you and your doctor, but can act as a starting point for such a discussion or as a useful reminder of the key points.

Interventional Radiology

Interventional Radiology is a discipline specialising in the diagnosis and/or treatment of a vast array of conditions by performing minimally invasive procedures.

Intensive Care (Critical Care Unit)

Information about East Kent Hospitals' Critical Care Unit which provides care to unstable or critically unwell patients.

Joints (Rheumatology)

Our rheumatology team is made up of Doctors, Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, and Support Workers all working together. Together we diagnose, assess, and treat people with arthritis and other musculoskeletal diseases. We also offer to help and advice, to optimise function and independence in all areas of life affected by these conditions. 

Kent and Medway Communication and Assistive Technology Service (KM CAT) - Adult Team

We are multidisciplinary teams that work very closely, to meet the needs of those requiring specialist Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) through a client focused model.  The service is comprised of administrators, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language therapists, Teachers, Therapy Assistant Practitioners and Healthcare Scientists.

Kidney (Renal)

Our dialysis units are devoted to the care of people with kidney disease who require haemodialysis. In addition to a haemodialysis unit at K&C, patients are dialysed at satellites units in Margate, Medway, Maidstone, Dover and Ashford. 

Library Services

Providing all healthcare staff and students with the best evidence and information resources to support clinical decision making, research, and lifelong professional development.

Liver (Hepatology)

The Hepatology Department is a specialist sub-specialty within Gastroenterology and treats conditions of the liver, pancreas or biliary system. 

Lung

Respiratory medicine is concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and continuing care of patients with a considerable range of lung diseases. They include asthma, chronic bronchitis / emphysema (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, asbestos related conditions including mesothelioma, tuberculosis, sleep disordered breathing, pneumonia and lung cancer.

Maternity

Complete our self-referral form to let us know you want to have a baby in our care and find out more about giving birth in our hospitals.

Maxillo-facial (MaxFax)

We offer a range of Maxillo-facial services across east Kent.

Medical Photography (MedPhoto)

Clinical photography is used to visually record a patient’s medical condition and form part of the patient’s notes. Clinical photographs are taken to help doctors and other health professionals to monitor clinical conditions. They are often used as part of the planning process alongside other tests such as x-rays, scans and blood tests.    

Medical Student Electives

Medical Student Electives are usually ran between 2 and 4 weeks, July – September. Other periods may be available upon request.

Mental Health - Liaison Psychiatry Service

Information and contact details for the Liaison Psychiatry Service at East Kent Hospitals

Microbiology 

The microbiology department provides a comprehensive clinical and laboratory service for the diagnosis, treatment, management and prevention of infectious diseases. The departmental team of consultant microbiologists, biomedical scientists and support staff undertake more than 500,000 investigations per year.

Multiple Sclerosis

MS is the most common neurological disorder among young adults. It is usually diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40. Once diagnosed, MS is a life long and variable condition and at the time of diagnosis it cannot be predicted how quickly or severely the disease will progress. 

Neurology

The East Kent Neurorehabilitation Unit (EKNRU) is at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital with 19 dedicated neurorehab beds. More information about the Unit and its service can be found in the Neurorehabilitation Unit patient leaflet

Neuro Support Directory

A stroke, brain injury or other neurological event can happen out of the blue, leaving people feeling frightened, bewildered and vulnerable. The aim of this information directory is to provide a single point of access to the community support that is currently available. 

Nutrition

The Acute Dietetic Team ensures that a seamless service is delivered to our patients - providing both inpatient and outpatient services. We assess patients whilst they are in hospital, hold specialist outpatients clinics - and ongoing support is provided by our colleagues in the community.

Occupational Therapy (adults) 

Occupational Therapists (OTs) enable you to carry out day to day activities that you need or want to do. OT’s and OT Assistants achieve this by assessing how you carry out these activities. We work with all age groups and their carers to overcome any difficulties they have as a result of illness or disability.

Occupational Therapy (children)

Occupational Therapists help children develop skills in the areas of self care, school and play. We work closely with the child, their families and members of staff from different teams, including schools and nurseries to identify areas of need in order to help with specific difficulties. Paediatric Occupational Therapy aims to enable each child to discover just how much they can do for themselves.

Ophthalmology

We offer a comprehensive service in Ophthalmology and have 11 consultants within this department all with specialist interests.

Oral healthcare

Information to help with oral healthcare and promotion of oral hygiene.

Outpatients

At East Kent Hospitals we aim to do everything we can to make your outpatient visit as easy as possible. When your referrer tells us that they would like you to have an outpatient appointment with a hospital doctor we will arrange an appointment.  We will endeavour to arrange this appointment with you over the phone to ensure that the date and time of the appointment are convenient for you

Paediatric occupational therapy

Occupational Therapists help children develop skills in the areas of self care, school and play. We work closely with the child, their families and members of staff from different teams, including schools and nurseries to identify areas of need in order to help with specific difficulties. Paediatric Occupational Therapy aims to enable each child to discover just how much they can do for themselves.

Paediatric MSK physiotherapy

A physiotherapy led, Outpatient Service for Children and young people aged 0-16 years. We specialise in the assessment and treatment of a range of conditions that affect growing bones and muscles.

Paediatric physiotherapy

Paediatric physiotherapists work with babies, children and young people to develop their gross motor skills (such as walking, jumping etc.), aiming to promote independence and to help children and young people to participate and enjoy life.

Paediatric speech and language therapy

We offer a comprehensive service in Speech and Language Therapy as part of an integrated therapy service. It is split across three localities: Ashford, Shepway and Dover/Deal. 

Pain management

We provide a range of services for patients with chronic pain. Our chronic pain webpage is intended to answer your questions about the services available from us, your treatment, the staff who will be treating you, and where you can find further information regarding your condition.   

Palliative care

We are a team of specialist nurses and medical consultants that are hospital based. We have specialist training and experience in controlling symptoms and offering support associated with cancer and other life limiting conditions. Our aim is to improve the quality of life for patients and their carers.

Parkinson's Disease

This service is for patients with Parkinson’s Disease and related movement disorders.

Pathology

East Kent Hospitals Department of Pathology provides services within its hospitals and to GPs and other community services within east Kent. Phlebotomy (blood tests) are carried out at Kent & Canterbury Hospital, William Harvey Hospital, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital, Buckland Hospital and Royal Victoria Hospital. Patients referred for a blood test by their GP health professional can attend our clinics. 

Pharmacy 

The Pharmacy directorate provides a range of services throughout the Trust. It is a patient focused service that is involved in every aspect of the management of medicines. 

Physiotherapy (adults)

We provide a range of interventions which include treatment, education and advice. We aim to restore, maintain and improve your function and movement and therefore maximise your quality of life.

Physiotherapy (children)

Paediatric physiotherapists work with babies, children and young people to develop their gross motor skills (such as walking, jumping etc.), aiming to promote independence and to help children and young people to participate and enjoy life.

Pregnancy

Having a baby can be an exciting but daunting time for women and their partners, there is a lot to think about and plan for. There are many questions and choices to make so we hope the information on this website will help you. Our aim is to work in partnership with you, your partner and family to achieve a happy, healthy pregnancy and birth.

No services

Radiology

Our radiology service in east Kent has undergone a rapid period of development - which includes extended routine opening hours, giving people the freedom and flexibility, to have their diagnostic examination on a day and at a time that suits them. The roles of staff have also been developed, to provide a constant first class service for our patients.

Radiological Sciences

Radiological sciences is a collective term for diagnostic services including breast screening, radiology, medical physics and nuclear medicine.

Renal

Our dialysis units are devoted to the care of people with kidney disease who require haemodialysis. In addition to a haemodialysis unit at K&C, patients are dialysed at satellites units in Margate, Medway, Maidstone, Dover and Ashford. 

Respiratory

Respiratory medicine is concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and continuing care of patients with a considerable range of lung diseases. They include asthma, chronic bronchitis / emphysema (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, asbestos related conditions including mesothelioma, tuberculosis, sleep disordered breathing, pneumonia and lung cancer.

Rheumatology

Our rheumatology team is made up of Doctors, Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, and Support Workers all working together. Together we diagnose, assess, and treat people with arthritis and other musculoskeletal diseases. We also offer to help and advice, to optimise function and independence in all areas of life affected by these conditions. 

Sexual Health 

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust works closely with Kent Community Health Trust to offer GUM and HIV services from acute and community sites across the district. For full details about the services offered across east Kent, and to find out where your nearest clinic is, please visit the Kent Sexual Health website

Skin (Dermatology) 

We offer a range of diagnostic and therapeutic services for general skin conditions. We offer advanced skin surgery for the treatment of certain skin cancers including the surgical technique called Mohs Micrographic Surgery at the Friends Dermatology Centre at Kent and Canterbury Hospital.

Speech and Language Therapy (adults)

Speech and Language Therapists (SLT) assess, diagnose and treat swallowing and communication disorders. Communication disorders include language, speech and voice problems. The adult service sees patients who are (as a general rule) aged 18 or over.

Speech and Language therapy (children)

We offer a comprehensive service in Speech and Language Therapy as part of an integrated therapy service. It is split across three localities: Ashford, Shepway and Dover/Deal. 

Stoma

The service covers the East Kent area.  Where possible, the aim of the service is to introduce ourselves to patients prior to their surgery and to provide support, education and adequate pre-operative preparation together with continuity of care throughout their stay in hospital. This service is for Stoma, Colostomy, Ileostomy, Urostomy, Fistula and Internal Ileo-anal pouch patients, new and established.

Stroke

We provide a comprehensive range of stroke services for prevention, hyper-acute treatment, rehabilitation and follow-up after discharge. The service sees approximately 1400 people with an acute stroke each year from the east Kent area.  

Stop Smoking Service

Ask your health professional to refer you, or phone our freephone number below to self refer. A community service is also available for outpatients and other members of the public. 

Supervisors of Midwives

Supervisors of Midwives are experienced practising midwives and have taken specialist education training to become a Supervisor of Midwives. They are appointed by the Local Supervising Authority (LSA). Supervisors of Midwives are available to support both women and midwives, to ensure safe maternity care for you and your baby.

Spencer Private Hospitals

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust owns a subsidiary, Spencer Private Hospitals, which operates both in Margate and Ashford providing private patient care. 

Tests 

Your GP or consultant may ask you to come to the hospital for a test or x-ray. We want to make this as easy and stress free for you as possible. This section of our website gives you information about these tests and telephone numbers for you to ring if you have any more questions.

Therapies

We offer an extensive range of therapies for patients including: inpatient and outpatient physiotherapy, hand therapy, occupational therapy, adult / child speech and language therapy and paediatric orthopaedics

Trauma and Orthopaedics (T&O)

We currently provide a comprehensive Trauma (injury) and Orthopaedic (predominantly Arthritis and Joint Replacement) service to the population of East Kent, which includes fracture clinics and orthopaedic clinics, day case surgery, trauma and inpatient surgery.

Urgent treatment and emergency care

From broken bones to minor illnesses - how to find the right service for you. 

Urology

The Department of Urology is one of the largest in the United Kingdom and is a dedicated unit providing leading edge clinical care, education, research and innovation. The department is rapidly evolving in its delivery of world-class care.

Vascular Surgery

Vascular surgery is a speciality of surgery focusing on diseases of the vascular system, or arteries and veins. The vascular surgeon is trained in the diagnosis and management of diseases affecting all parts of the vascular system except that of the heart and brain.

No services

X-rays

Our radiology service in east Kent has undergone a rapid period of development - which includes extended routine opening hours, giving people the freedom and flexibility, to have their diagnostic examination on a day and at a time that suits them. The roles of staff have also been developed, to provide a constant first class service for our patients.

No services
No services
Spencer Private Hospitals

Do you have medical insurance or the wish to pay for your treatment?

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust owns a subsidiary, Spencer Private Hospitals, which operates both in Margate and Ashford providing private patient care. 

Click here for further details: www.spencerprivatehospitals.com